Water heater failed, warranty question

My AO Smith Conservationist 40 gal water heater failed today on year 9 of 10 in the warranty.

My question is this: In the manual it says that the warranty only applies to the original owner -- which I think is complete crap. How do they verify this? We moved into the home a couple years ago and I am wondering if there are any ways around this 'original owner' statement. Can I play dumb and get it replaced under warranty like it should be?

Is it going to be best to contact the people who installed the heater or AO Smith themselves?

Just a couple of things. Appliance warranties are pro rated so after 9 years on a 10 year warranty, so it will be worth very little. Secondly, AO Smith heaters are not rated very high. You can certainly pursue the warranty angle, but you might want to consider a Bradford White or GE/Rheem. These seem to be the most preferred among plumbers on this forum.

Just a couple of things. Appliance warranties are pro rated so after 9 years on a 10 year warranty, so it will be worth very little. Secondly, AO Smith heaters are not rated very high. You can certainly pursue the warranty angle, but you might want to consider a Bradford White or GE/Rheem. These seem to be the most preferred among plumbers on this forum.

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Thanks for the input. I was considering just getting a different brand based on stuff I read. However, if I can get a free replacement that could last 7-8 years after its one year warranty expires, its a lot cheaper than paying $800 for a Bradford White that might fail right after its 6 year warranty expires. If the replacement fails after 1.5 years, then I would definitely switch brands -- although I'd be eating the cost of installation on the warranty replacement.

I talked with AO Smith. The heater had not been registered, so it was still under warranty. I also found out that it was built before some legal change in 2003 where all heaters had to have concealed pilot lights. Therefore, I have to pay a $70 'upgrade' fee for my warranty replacement -- but I get a brand new 10 year warranty in the process. I still have to pay for install/removal, but that beats paying $1000 for the heater and then having to also pay for the install.